BARKA, APRIL 8
The third day of competitions of the 2025 His Majesty the Sultan’s Camel Cup Festival, held at Al Fulaij Track in the Wilayat of Barka, witnessed intense and thrilling competitions in the 'Yathaa' and human riders categories. The races brought together elite camel owners from across Oman and offered a variety of valuable prizes, including cars, Icons, daggers and cash awards.
‘YATHAA' CATEGORY 4 YEARS OLD FOR 6 KM
In the first race, Elaj owned by Ali al Owaisi delivered an outstanding performance and claimed first place, winning an icon and a car. The second race saw Al Hathar, owned by Ahmed al Darai, take the lead and win a dagger and a car. In the third race, Al Hurra, owned by Saeed al Wahibi, crossed the finish line first and received a car as a prize. Al Taghiyah, owned by Mohammed al Jahafi, emerged victorious in the fourth race and was awarded a cash prize, while Ghara, owned by Hammoud al Ghafeeli, topped the fifth race and also secured a cash prize.
The excitement carried on into the sixth race, where Thameen, owned by Mohammed al Saadi, clinched first place and received cash prize. In the seventh race, Qarar, owned by Badr al Owaisi, achieved the top position and earned a cash prize as well. Jawaher, owned by Mohammed al Jahafi, won the eighth race and took home a cash prize, followed by Adeem, owned by Ahmed al Wahibi, who triumphed in the ninth race and was also awarded a cash prize.
HUMAN RIDERS OVER 2 KM
In the human riders category, which requires notable skill and experience, Al Shamikha, owned by Amer al Zar’i, stood out in the first race and was rewarded with a dagger and a car. The second race was won by Mashkoor, owned by Hamad al Amri, who received a cash prize. In the third race, Thameen, owned by Salem al Zar’i, took first place and a cash prize.
The morning of April 9, the fourth day of the festival will feature three races in the 'Thanaya' category for camels aged 5 years, covering a distance of 8 kilometres. Additionally, four races will be held in the 'Al Hawl' category for camels aged 6 years and above. Each category includes one car prize and two iconic trophies, along with cash prizes awarded to the top 10 winners in each race.
OXY OMAN CONTINUES SUPPORT
The Oman Camel Racing Federation signed a sponsorship agreement with Oxy Oman for the 11th consecutive year to support camel races held in the concession areas of Adam, Ibri and Haima, in addition to the annual national race that features participation from across all governorates of Oman.
The signing ceremony took place in Muscat under the auspices of Basil bin Ahmed al Rawas, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Sports and Youth. The event was attended by Shaikh Saeed bin Saud al Ghafili, OCRF Chairman, along with officials from both sides and representatives of local media.
Al Rawas emphasised the importance of this long-standing partnership and praised the role of the private sector in supporting traditional sports. Al Ghafili expressed his gratitude to His Majesty the Sultan for the continuous support of camel racing, highlighting the agreement’s impact on enhancing competitions and providing economic benefits to camel owners and trainers. He also mentioned the federation’s ongoing efforts to improve race tracks and ensure the sustainability of the sport.
From his side, Nasser bin Issa al Maskari, Social Responsibility Manager at Oxy Oman, said the agreement reflects the company’s commitment to preserving Oman’s cultural heritage and strengthening ties with the local community, particularly in concession areas, through dedicated and continued support for camel racing.
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